3 ways to do Gin and Tonic

The classic gin and tonic is a light and fresh cocktail with only three ingredients, which comes as ordered during the summer heat. His history is also interesting, and it is connected no less and no more than with the prevention of malaria.

This drink was first mixed by soldiers of the British East India Company stationed in India in the early 19th century. In those parts, malaria was a constant danger, and when it was discovered that quinine could be used to prevent disease, they started drinking it in a tonic-water. However, quinine has a very bitter taste, so to make it tastier, British soldiers added a mixture of water, sugar, lime and gin to quinine. Since gin and tonic is no longer used as a remedy in the fight against malaria, today’s drink is less bitter, and comes in a host of refreshing variations.

How to make the perfect gin and tonic?

For a classic gin and tonic, you do not need more than three ingredients – gin, tonic-water, lemon or lime, with the addition of ice. However, feel free to play around and spice up or sweeten the drink with all your favorite spices and toppings. Still, there is no need to overdo it (two to three additions are quite enough) otherwise the taste of gin will not even be felt.

If you are a beginner in preparing gin and tonics, stick to a 2: 5 ratio in favor of tonic-water. If you don’t mind the taste of gin, try three parts gin and five parts tonic, or just stick to a 1: 2 ratio.

Cool the glasses approximately 20 minutes before serving. This step is optional, but if you remember this trick, it will help keep your gin and tonic cool for longer. When ready to serve, add ice cubes to chilled glasses. Add the gin and squeeze a slice of one lime. Then add the tonic and juice of another slice of lime. Fill each glass with tonic and garnish with slices of lime.

If desired, you can add blueberry, red pepper, hibiscus flower, citrus peel, rose flowers and petals, cinnamon, rosemary and star anise… The options are many, and I bring three more variations that are proven to cool you down in oncoming months.

Gin tonic with raspberries

Ingredients

1. 60 ml gin
2. 15 ml of raspberry syrup
3. 60 ml of tonic water
4. 15 ml of lime juice
5. 1 cup of ice
6. slices of lime and raspberry for decoration

Preparation

1. Put gin, raspberry syrup, lime juice and tonic in a glass. Decorate as desired and enjoy.

Red orange in gin

Ingredients

1. 45 ml of gin
2. 60 ml of fresh (red) orange juice
3. lime juice
4. 120 ml of tonic water

Preparation

1. Fill a glass with ice. Add gin, orange juice and lime juice.
2. Fill a glass with tonic and stir gently. Garnish with a slice of orange and serve.

Tropical pineapple with gin and tonic

Ingredients

1. 60 ml of gin
2. 60 ml of pineapple juice
3. water tonic
4. half a lime
5. slices of lime and pieces of pineapple for decoration

Preparation

1. Fill a glass with ice. Add gin and pineapple juice, and fill the rest of the glass with tonic.
2. Squeeze half a lime into a glass and stir.
3. Decorate as desired.